Canadian soldiers to train Ukrainian military police: Nicholson

KYIV, Ukraine – Canadian soldiers are arriving in Ukraine to help train military police, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson says.

The training is part of an agreement Nicholson signed with Ukraine pledging Canadian help in the face of Russian aggression.

“The declaration seeks to initiate a process to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian government to defend its borders and people,” Nicholson said in a conference call.

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It will also explore co-operation in military training and building military capacity “through the provision of general support training such as military police, medical and personal protective measures.”

The minister wouldn’t say how many trainers are being deployed nor how long they will stay.

“There are some that will be arriving this evening here in Ukraine that will help out,” he said.

“There are a number that have come and gone in support of various missions and the military police, they’re coming, they will be here for a deployment and then they will leave. This is a continuing effort.”

Canada has already donated quantities of non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine.

In August, Canada donated helmets, protective eyewear, first-aid kits, tents and sleeping bags.

Last month, the Canadian Forces began shipping more gear, including tactical communication systems, explosive ordinance disposal equipment, tactical medical kits, night vision goggles and winter clothing.